Jardins de L'Albarede, Dordogne garden

Visit Jardins de l'Albarede

The Jardins de l'Albarede can be found on the edge of the lovely town of Domme in the Dordogne department of South West France. It is one of France's classified "Remarkable gardens".

Completely surrounded by tree covered hills this secluded garden feels a million miles from the beautiful but extremely busy nearby town of Domme. The garden is small but thoughtfully planted with much to see.

Explore the Jardins de l'Albarede

A visit to the garden starts near to the swimming pool. Often a low point in countryside gardens here the herbacious border near the pool has been filled with flowers each time I have been.

The seasonal planting keeping up interest through spring to the end of summer.

The garden has been built in an area with very poor soil but by careful plant selection and the extensive use of mulching the owners have created a beautiful garden with lots to see and inspire.

They have used their research and experience to write a number of books about gardening and particularly about dealing with poor soil.

Leaving the pool area the garden opens out to a large lawn with a border down one size and a fantastic potager the other.

The potager, or vegetable garden, mixes flowers and vegetables, including many ancient varieties and, especially in late spring/summer looks as pretty as a flower garden.

The potager includes many varieties of tomatoes and a few varieties of amaranthe including' love lies bleeding' which adds both height and colour.

Again poor soil and dry conditions are combatted in the garden by extinsive use of mulch.

The French love topiaries and this garden is no exception. There is an area going up a hill with a whole selection of imaginative topiaries.

From the top of the hill you have some excellent views of the quiet valley in which the garden is situated.

Les Jardins de l'Albarede garden guide:

The garden is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday mornings (9-12h30) from June to September. Visits cost 6 euros for adults and are free to under 12s.

The garden is situated in the Dordogne near Domme which is one of France's most beautiful villages.